I wonder when the 5DIII kits w/ new 24-70mm start to ship... (Not available in all markets). I can't wait!

Maybe never? There was never a kit with the Mark I that I know of. Not from Canon anyways.

I believe it is a kit option in Asia-Pacific markets. It might not come in one box like the 24-105mm kit (it also may, I don't know yet), but retailers are able to buy 5D3s and 24-70mm together as one at reduced prices, the same as if it was a kit. There have been 24-70mm kits advertised from day one in Australia and New Zealand at least.

DB

I am looking forward to both 5DIII and 1DX images posted to CR using this new long-awaited Mk2 standard zoom, to see how it compares to my rapidly appreciating old 24-70mm f2.8 L USM lens -> not in terms of sharpness, but rather if the colour looks any different to it's predecessor. Unfortunately as a poor student it is beyond my reach, so I shall be relying upon all of you affluent aspiring amateur aficionados to grab one asap and shoot a few samples for us all to peruse.

No word on this lens at all in Japan. Been to every retailer looking for a hint on when it might arrive here. Funny how Canon is a Japanese company and yet Japan is sometimes the last to receive their products.

$2300 is still pretty hard to swallow for f/2.8 zoom. Just like many people, likely will wait a year or so for a little price drop and Canon rebate..

Yes I agree, it is a little on the expensive side ... but when you compare it with the price of $1900 for Nikon AF-S Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8G ED Autofocus Lens (which I belive is 5 year old lens) EF 24-70 L II is not all that expensive (considering it is the latest technology) ... however, if Canon wants $2300 for EF 24-70 f2.8L II, it better be better than the Nikon 24-70 (at least $400 dollars worth better I am hoping Canon will have a rebate for this lens during Christmas, if not I might just bite the bullet in March 2013 and buy it.

$2300 is still pretty hard to swallow for f/2.8 zoom. Just like many people, likely will wait a year or so for a little price drop and Canon rebate..

Yes I agree, it is a little on the expensive side ... but when you compare it with the price of $1900 for Nikon AF-S Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8G ED Autofocus Lens (which I belive is 5 year old lens) EF 24-70 L II is not all that expensive (considering it is the latest technology) ... however, if Canon wants $2300 for EF 24-70 f2.8L II, it better be better than the Nikon 24-70 (at least $400 dollars worth better I am hoping Canon will have a rebate for this lens during Christmas, if not I might just bite the bullet in March 2013 and buy it.